Shloka 20
Adhyāya 36: Ghora-yuddha-varṇanam
A Clinical Description of the Intensified Engagement
हुताशनादित्यसमानतेजसं पराक्रमे विष्णुपुरन्दरोपमम् | नये बृहस्पत्युशनो: सदा सम॑ न चैनमस्त्रं तदुपास्त दुःसहम्,“अग्नि और सूर्यके समान तेजस्वी, विष्णु और इन्द्रके समान पराक्रमी तथा सदा बृहस्पति और शुक्राचार्यके समान नीतिमान् इन गुरुदेवको बचानेके लिये इनके दुःसह अस्त्र आदि पास न आ सके अर्थात् उनकी रक्षा नहीं कर सके
sañjaya uvāca |
hutāśanādityasamānatejasaṃ parākrame viṣṇupurandaropamam |
naye bṛhaspatyuśanoḥ sadā samaṃ na cainam astraṃ tad upāsta duḥsaham ||
Sinabi ni Sanjaya: “Sa ningning, siya’y tulad ng Apoy at ng Araw; sa kabayanihan, kahawig niya si Viṣṇu at si Purandara (Indra); at sa pamamahala, lagi siyang kapantay nina Bṛhaspati at Uśanas (Śukrācārya). Ngunit ang kakila-kilabot na sandatang iyon ay hindi nakapangalaga sa iginagalang na gurong ito—hindi nakalapit ang kapangyarihan nito upang iligtas siya.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts extraordinary excellence—radiance, valor, and political wisdom—with the sobering truth that even the most formidable weapons and protections may fail. It underscores human limitation before destiny and the moral gravity of war, where revered figures can still be struck down despite merit.
Sañjaya describes a revered teacher-like figure as possessing godlike brilliance, prowess, and counsel, yet notes that a fearsome astra was unable to safeguard him. The line functions as a lament and a narrative emphasis on the inexorable course of the battle.